Merlin machine

My doctor recently had me get the Merlin machine for home check ups. (I had the old one where they had to call you and you used the wrist straps/magnet) While watching the set up video that came with it I was offended that they only had seniors in it. In fact, I sent them an e-mail that if they ever make a new one to include people of all ages. I know it's only a little thing and probably won't matter but I already feel odd when I go for checks in the office and feel out of place. This doesn't help.

3 Comments

Land line

by Bostonstrong - 2014-01-02 07:01:35

You got a video? With instructions? Does yours use a land line? It's like a journey back in time. Not surprised they only feature seniors in the video, my whole experience with a pm has been the most dehumanizing thing ever. Over it and just got a letter saying I need to do a remote check in March. No intention of doing that, who has a land line these days?

I have a Merlin too

by MelodyMarch - 2014-01-02 11:01:12

I received mine right before Christmas. Didn't watch the video, and now I'm glad I didn't because stuff like that just makes me shake my head. Shell, I am also one of the youngest in my EP's practice, and I honestly had a laugh with my PA at the pacemaker literature she was required to hand me, to which she told me "I am required by law to give you this, but honestly, you will find more of the details you want online."

What struck me the most about that literature was the reading level on it was probably a 5th grade comprehension.

Luckily I mentioned to the rep during pre-op that I don't have a land line and don't plan on having one, to which he looked at my paperwork, went hmmm, and said "that's not surprising, you're only 32." He then said "it's your lucky day, I have the wireless adaptor for the Merlin in my car, I am not going to make you get a landline just for this." He then ran out to his car, which at the hospital I was at was probably across the street, and handed me the wireless adaptor in post op.

I really hope that in the future that the at-home monitors use a wi-fi connection, I also wouldn't say no to a monitoring app in IOS or Android. My EP said he would love app monitoring as well, and hopes the technology goes there eventually.

It will take all of us wanting to be involved to help drag the PM companies kicking and screaming to the future!

WiFi Merlin

by Zapper - 2014-01-16 11:01:37

Tech is great. You got to realize that 80% of patients with 1st pacer are 70+. The manufacturers are just now gearing up to cater to the boomers who are likely to continue ditching landlines. Hope that you keep the rep contact in your phone. I am begging my office to be their first one with home monitor & dump the data when convenient. The intern rep said roll out began in Aug 2013. App would be nice but as I look at HIPAA laws, StJude lawyers will have a major diaper rash over it.

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